Rafael Camara Secures Multi-Year Haas Formula 1 Deal for 2027

Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara will step up to Formula 1 after signing a multi-year contract with Haas starting from the 2027 season.

The 21-year-old Brazilian has built a reputation as a rising junior talent, claiming the Formula 3 title last year before taking the lead in this year's Formula 2 championship with two rounds remaining. Camara joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2021 alongside fellow 21-year-old Oliver Bearman. Bearman entered Formula 1 with Haas in 2025 and remains contracted to Ferrari, with Haas expected to confirm his continuation with the team for 2027 in the near future.

Camara is set to replace Esteban Ocon, whose exit from Haas at the conclusion of this season following a two-year tenure was finalized in September.

Speaking about his move, Camara expressed immense satisfaction with joining the team and voiced his appreciation to team owner Gene Haas and team principal Ayao Komatsu for placing their trust in him. He also extended his gratitude to the Ferrari Driver Academy and his family for their long-term guidance and backing, noting that his immediate priority is to prepare for the demands of Formula 1 by working closely with the squad and adapting to the car.

The Brazilian impressed the outfit during an August test running Haas's 2025 challenger at the Portimao circuit in Portugal. Komatsu highlighted Camara's speed during challenging moments in his rookie Formula 2 campaign, notably his qualifying performances in Monaco and Montreal. The team principal noted that Camara showed maturity and speed beyond his limited preparation time during the Portuguese test session, adding that Haas is dedicated to providing an environment where the young driver can flourish.

Gene Haas expressed confidence that Camara could match the immediate impact delivered by Bearman, who has outperformed Ocon during their two years as teammates. Haas noted that younger prospects emerging from Ferrari's development pipeline arrive exceptionally well prepared for the top tier and stated that Camara's testing run had set a strong foundation for their full-time collaboration.

Camara's arrival is currently positioned to be the lone driver alteration across the 2027 Formula 1 grid. Racing Bulls is the only competitor yet to formally confirm either of its seats for 2027, though Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are favored to remain. The championship next travels to Austin for the United States Grand Prix from October 23 to 25.